Mbeki is behind Cope, says YCL

2008-12-15 11:00

Johannesburg - The Young Communist League on Sunday accused former president Thabo Mbeki of being instrumental in giving political direction to the people leading the newly launched Cope, the SABC reported.

YCL national secretary Buti Manamela said they viewed the failure by Mbeki to speak out in support of the ANC as a clear indication of which side he had chosen to support.

Mbeki's spokesperson Mukoni Ratshitanga said only the ANC has the authority to speak of the former president as he is a member of the party not the YCL.

He said in the letter written to the ANC president Jacob Zuma by Mbeki, he clearly spells out his position. Ratshitanga said the views raised by the YCL means nothing as the former president remains a member of the ruling party.

Enemy within

The YCL vowed to protect the legacy of its founding fathers by ensuring that the African National Congress-led alliance was victorious in next year's polls.

The league also warned the alliance not to focus on the enemy within. This has the potential to purge some of its members and help the Congress of the People to recruit, they said.

The tussle comes as allegations that Mbeki is behind Cope's launch refuse to die down. The YCL claims Mbeki is behind Cope's strategic direction.

Meanwhile attempts by ANC alliance partners to drag Mbeki into denouncing Cope have so far failed.

- SAPA